Ashdown Park Hotel: Then vs Now

Since its original mansion house was built in the 1800s, the Ashdown Park Estate has been home to various families and businesses before becoming part of the Elite Hotels family. When you visit today, you can sense the history embedded in the building, with images and room names around the estate paying homage to its rich past before our leisure facilities welcomed guests. We've delved into the archives to share images from Ashdown Park’s history, and we hope you enjoy comparing these spaces to their current look.

Our header image is believed to be from 1902, taken halfway down the main driveway as the mansion comes into view. Notice something missing? The Chapel (now the Richard Towneley Suite) and West Wing hadn’t been built yet; they were added in the 1920s. However, the iconic archway and the surrounding forest look much the same 122 years later, as we can see in the photo on the right.

Next, we turn to a more recent image from October 1993, capturing the opening night of the Anderida Restaurant. The grand occasion was celebrated with a gala dinner, where guests were serenaded by a live pianist, creating an elegant and memorable atmosphere. The tradition of live music continues today, with our resident pianist enhancing the dining experience every Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Guests are treated to soothing melodies that complement the restaurant's refined ambiance, blending past and present to maintain the timeless charm that has been a hallmark of the Anderida Restaurant since its debut.

Flashing back to 1927, we see the construction and consecration of the Church of Our Lady and St. Richard, a pivotal moment in Ashdown Park's history. This image showcases the Sisters of Notre Dame in the chapel, engaged in study and prayer. This sacred space was a place of contemplation and devotion for the sisters, a testament to the religious heritage of the estate. One of the most striking elements of the chapel is the stunning Harry Clarke stained-glass windows, which remain an original feature to this day. These intricate, colourful designs serve as a breath-taking backdrop for weddings, events, and special occasions, adding a timeless beauty that connects the past with the present.

Our final photograph, taken shortly before 1974, when a U.S. university took over the estate, shows what is now known as the Secret Garden. Once maintained by the Sisters of Notre Dame, the garden is now cared for by our Estates Team. While the garden’s foundation remains unchanged, the centrepiece has been replaced with a calming fountain.

It’s fascinating to see how Ashdown Park has transformed over the last 200 years, and we wonder what changes the next 200 might bring! When you visit, be sure to explore the historical West Wing corridor, where more photos from the estate's past are on display.